Mastering "Since Our Last Vacation": A Simple Grammar Guide

Have you ever struggled to talk about things that started in the past and continue to the present? English can be tricky, especially when it comes to specific time expressions. Today, we're diving deep into the adverbial phrase "since our last vacation". This common phrase is perfect for describing events that have been happening from that past trip until now. Understanding its meaning and how to use it naturally can significantly boost your fluency in English. Ready to master this useful expression and improve your natural sentence use?

Table of Contents

• What Does "since our last vacation" Mean?
• What Type of Adverbial Phrase Is "since our last vacation"?
• Example Sentences with "since our last vacation"
• When and How to Use "since our last vacation"
• Summary and Practice Tip

What Does "since our last vacation" Mean?

The adverbial phrase "since our last vacation" describes a period of time that started at the moment of your last vacation and continues right up to the present. It tells you when something has been happening. This phrase implies that an action, state, or event began during or immediately after that trip and is still ongoing or has a direct impact on the present. Think of it as a time marker pointing from the past to now, helping to modify verbs and provide context.

More: Mastering 'In the Past Decade': Grammar & Usage Guide

What Type of Adverbial Phrase Is "since our last vacation"?

This is an adverbial phrase of time. It functions like an adverb, modifying verbs or entire clauses by telling us when something occurred or has been occurring. Understanding its grammar rules is key for ESL learners.

Grammatically, the phrase breaks down as follows:

• "Since": This is a preposition here, indicating the starting point of a period. It establishes a connection to the past. (Note: "Since" can also be a conjunction, but in this phrase, it acts prepositionally with the noun phrase that follows.)
• "Our last vacation": This is a noun phrase.
  • "Our" is a possessive determiner.
  • "Last" is an adjective.
  • "Vacation" is a noun.

This adverbial phrase typically appears at the end of a sentence. However, for emphasis, it can also start a sentence. When it starts a sentence, remember to use a comma after it.

Here are common sentence patterns:

• Subject + Verb (Present Perfect) + since our last vacation
• Since our last vacation, Subject + Verb (Present Perfect)

More: How to Use 'At a Later Date' in English: Meaning & Examples

Example Sentences with "since our last vacation"

Let's look at some examples of "since our last vacation" in natural English sentences. Notice how it often pairs with the present perfect tense, which describes actions starting in the past and continuing to the present.

• We haven't seen them since our last vacation. (Meaning: We saw them on the vacation, and have not seen them from that point until now.)
• My sister has been studying Spanish diligently since our last vacation.
• Since our last vacation, the garden has really grown. It's beautiful!

Here are some short dialogues:

• Person A: "Wow, your hair is so long now!"

• Person B: "Yeah, I haven't had a haircut since our last vacation."

• Person A: "Have you started any new hobbies?"

• Person B: "I've been learning to bake bread since our last vacation. It's quite fun!"

More: Mastering 'In the Long Winter Nights': A Simple Grammar Guide

When and How to Use "since our last vacation"

This phrase is versatile. You'll find it in both formal and informal contexts. It's great for storytelling, reminiscing about the past, or simply stating how long something has been true. You might use it in casual conversation, emails, or even personal journals.

Typical Use Cases:

• Talking about ongoing habits or states: "I've been feeling much more relaxed since our last vacation."
• Describing lack of action: "We haven't gone hiking since our last vacation."
• Noting changes: "A lot has changed at work since our last vacation."

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

The biggest mistake ESL learners make is using the wrong verb tense. When you use "since," especially for a period continuing to the present, the present perfect tense (e.g., "have seen," "has been studying") is almost always required. Avoid using the simple past (e.g., "I didn't see them since...") when describing an ongoing period. This is a common grammar mistake.

For more on using "since" with the present perfect, check out this guide from Cambridge Dictionary.

Related phrases you might hear include "since then," "since that time," or "since we last met." They all serve a similar function of marking a starting point in the past for an ongoing situation.

Summary and Practice Tip

To summarize, "since our last vacation" is an important adverbial phrase of time. It clearly marks an action or state that began with your last vacation and continues to the present. Remember to pair it with the present perfect tense for correct grammar and natural sentence use. Mastering its use will make your English sound more natural and precise when describing durations.

Now it's your turn! Try to write two sentences of your own using "since our last vacation." What have you or someone you know been doing, or not doing, since that memorable trip? Share them with a language partner or keep them in your grammar notebook. For more help with English grammar and verb modifiers, explore our other articles on adverbial phrases.